As the Omicron variant has quickly become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States, new requirements are popping up in order to help slow the spread of the virus.
On the mainland, travelers can freely move between states; however, many cities are adding requirements to provide proof of vaccination to access indoor establishments like restaurants, gyms, sports venues, and theaters.
In places off the mainland, such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, more preparation is necessary for travel. Most locations still require proof of vaccination and/or proof of a negative COVID-19 test. In most cases, travelers must upload documentation to receive a QR code.
If you’re among the 109 million people estimated to travel at least 50 miles by air or car between December 23 and January 2, here’s what you should know before your journey this holiday season.
Places Requiring COVID-19 Tests or Proof of Vaccination for Travel
Some destinations still mandate pre-arrival screening. Here are the current requirements:
- Guam: Travelers must complete a pre-arrival form with the Guam Health Department. Fully vaccinated individuals and those who can show proof of recovery from the virus within the last three months are exempt from quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers can avoid quarantine if they present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours before arrival.
- Hawaii: All arriving passengers must register via the state’s Safe Travels website. Proof of full vaccination exempts travelers from quarantine and testing requirements. Unvaccinated travelers must upload proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. Failure to show proof results in a mandatory quarantine of 10 days upon arrival.
- Los Angeles, California: All passengers ages 16 and older arriving at Los Angeles International Airport, Van Nuys Airport, or Union Station need to fill out a form acknowledging their understanding of CDC guidelines for travel.
- Puerto Rico: All travelers over 2 years old entering Puerto Rico must complete the online Travel Safe form. Unvaccinated travelers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted no more than 72 hours before arrival.
- US Virgin Islands: Those traveling from the mainland US over 5 years old are required to register on the US Virgin Islands online portal and upload proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 5 days of arrival.
Places Requiring Vaccination for Entry into Events and Restaurants
Even if travel restrictions are minimal, some places have implemented requirements to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter establishments such as restaurants or large events. Accordingly, travelers should carry proof of vaccination, like a CDC card.
Here are cities in the US where proof of vaccination or a negative test is necessary:
- Boston: Effective January 15, 2022, proof of at least one dose of the vaccination regimen is required for individuals aged 12 and older to access certain indoor venues. Full vaccination proof will be necessitated starting February 15, 2022. Children ages 5-11 must show proof of one dose beginning March 1, 2022, and full vaccination by May 1, 2022.
- California: California has reinforced its statewide indoor mask mandate, and cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco require proof of vaccination from those aged 12 and older to enter various indoor spaces.
- Chicago: Beginning January 3, 2022, individuals 5 years old and above must present proof of full vaccination to dine indoors, visit gyms, or enter entertainment venues serving food or drink.
- Las Vegas, Nevada: Nevada has no travel restrictions; however, some venues, including Allegiant Stadium or festivals may ask for proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry.
- New Orleans: Residents and visitors aged 12 and older are required to show proof of at least one dose of an approved COVID vaccine or a negative PCR test from the last 72 hours to enter establishments.
- New York: Following guidelines set on December 13, 2021, New York state mandates masks in all indoor settings unless the venue has a vaccination requirement. New York City has already enacted proof of vaccination for restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters, cinemas, and stadiums, especially for those planning to usher in the New Year in Times Square.
- Philadelphia: As of January 3, establishments serving onsite food and drinks will require proof of vaccination. A temporary allowance will be in place until January 17, where individuals can show a negative test taken within 24 hours if they’re not fully vaccinated.
- Washington, D.C. Visitors aged 12 and older will need to show proof of a minimum of one vaccination dose starting January 15, 2022. Full vaccination proof will be required by February 15.
- Washington State: Starting now, a statewide requirement exists for proof of vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours for anyone aged 12 or older attending large events, which are defined as indoor events with over 1,000 attendees or outdoor events with more than 10,000 attendees.
For more information on COVID-19 and travel, please refer to iBestTravel’s Health Hub.
This article was first published on Nov 23, 2021, and updated on Dec 22, 2021.
